Not Just Instinct: Wild Birds Show Signs of True Friendship
Scientists Discover Wild Birds Behaving Suspiciously Like Friends
For years, the idea of “friendship” was considered a uniquely human trait—something built on complex emotions, shared experiences, and mutual understanding. In some cases, scientists extended this idea to highly social mammals like dolphins, elephants, and primates. But birds? Most people think of them as either solitary or following instinct-driven flocks. However, recent scientific discoveries are beginning to change that view dramatically. New research shows that many species of wild birds may, in fact, behave in ways that strongly resemble human-like friendships—complete with trust, memory, cooperation, and emotional bonds.